SPENCERVILLE — Gerald L. "Jerry" Counts, 80, of Spencerville and formerly of Anna, passed away peacefully at 10 PM Monday, November 13, 2017 in the Van Crest Care Center in St. Marys following an extended illness.

He was born September 19, 1937 in Anna, a son of Victor N. and Lucille Steinle Counts, who are deceased. On June 5, 1966 he married Sharon R. Becker, who survives, along with two sons; Bradley S. (Melissa) Counts of St. Marys and Bryan S. Counts of Spencerville; two grandchildren; Cody Counts of Wapakoneta and Cory (Emily) Counts of Spencerville; two step-grandchildren; Nathan Koeper and Keely Koeper, both of St. Marys; and four siblings; Frank (Joan) Counts of Sidney; Louise Haynes of Georgia; Danny Counts of Alabama and Andrew "Andy" Counts of St. Marys and two sisters-in-law; Barbara Counts and Shirley Counts, both of Botkins.

Preceding him in death are six siblings; Robert "Bob" (Kitty) Counts; Waneta Counts; James "Jim" Counts; Elsie Berger; Edward Counts and Elizabeth Mouk and his brother-in-law; Bud Haynes.

Jerry had attended Anna Schools and retired in 2004 with 24 years service at the Lima Engine Plant of Ford Motor Company.

He was a long time member of the New Salem Presbyterian Church South of Monticello and enjoyed antiquing, the " Reds" and the "Buckeyes".

Funeral services will be 11 AM Saturday in the Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home in Spencerville with Rev. Keith Kivlin officiating. Burial will follow in the New Salem Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 2/4 and 6/8 PM Friday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association. or to the Auglaize County Humane Society. Condolences may be sent to tbayliff@woh.rr.com